I've had mixed luck with student painters. One crew was really good, the other felt the wrath of the Tank. They didn't finish the job and they didn't get paid and I never heard one word about it.
I'm so mean.
I have had REALLY good luck with a handyman service that uses retired guys who still want a bit of work. They were slow as hell, but the price was awesome and the work was second to none. Its called something "over 55" or whatever here in London, but check it out in Calgary, I'm sure they offer something similar.